This has to be 'the original' bran muffin recipe. "Why?" You ask. Because it's one that was shared with me more than twenty five years ago by a New Zealander and lady chef, at a time when the popularity of the homestyle muffin and muffin creations of all kinds were on the rise. These 'muffin' baked goods were new to me too and I had enjoyed eating many of them, usually preferring the 'healthful' bran muffin!

Just before my 21st birthday, I was traveling and after three months of working in London, the home of the original muffin more than a century ago ;), I went on to spend nine months on a working holiday in Auckland, New Zealand where my sister and her husband lived. What do I remember of my stay in London? Well.. muffins.. muffin-mania! What of New Zealand? More... muffins!

At the time my sister was employed by a large grocery store chain corporate office, I was introduced to the canteen chef. As I recount the time, right now, I'm feeling the warmth of large catering ovens, sensing the aroma of baking and picturing the rows of muffin baking trays lined up along the polished stainless steel bench, awaiting the filling of this versatile bran muffin mix. The filled muffin tins were hastily popped into the large ovens, bronze baked, then laid out on warm on tables awaiting the morning tea break rush.

Naturally, as I always do if I love something, I asked for the recipe. Later, on returning home to Zimbabwe, I would use this same recipe for a muffin business I appropriately named 'Miss Muffitt'. This, I started some five years on from my small kitchen in my flat using a large and old, but very capable domestic oven.

A recipe mix that is quite versatile, as you could bake these as per the basic recipe for plain muffins, or for variation, add one or two of the following; raisins, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, chopped dates, chocolate chips, pre-cooked apple/pear/rhubarb chunks. Or use an overripe mashed banana, although remember to lessen the liquid measure of the recipe.

The buttermilk will keep these muffins moist. They are perfectly great on their own or with butter and a drizzle of honey or jam preserve. Just as they emerge from the oven, try a drizzle of honey and leave to soak in for that extra sweetness. Double this recipe for Jumbo muffin size baking tin.

If you've got some great quality chocolate in the pantry and eggs and the fridge, get your whisk ready because this flourless chocolate cake recipe pleases all! Rich and indulgent, it's been a classic way to entertain and end many a special occasion. Though, it's impressive versatility allows for an any-time celebration opportunity. Tell me of someone who doesn't like a chocolate cake?

This is air-lightened, egg whitened flourless chocolate cake. Mixing the egg yolks and sugar - ensure sugar grains are completely dissolved and why you must use finer grains otherwise you'll be mixing forever! Get your eggs whites right, with stiff peaks using a cake-mixer or a hand-held electric mixer, which is what I use. Folding in the whipped eggs whites to the mixture is also of importance - be gentle and let a few of the highlights of egg white shine through. Since there aren't many other ingredients, the quality of the chocolate is key to having a good chocolate cake. Buy good chocolate.

To give your chocolate cake an aromatic taste of citrus orange, add dōTERRA Wild Orange essential oil. Try three to four drops. Do the taste test method as you go to see how it tastes for you. dōTERRA Peppermint essential oil would be a winner with chocolate too, but go easy on the peppermint due to it's potency. One drop might be all you need to get a hint of peppermint.

Be prepared for arguments if this cake is finished before anyone has had time to get used to the idea!

Super healthy and easy. A good weekend lunch meal or light dinner. It's the aromatic flavours of the herbs and spices that I look forward to when blitzing this soup base..then the eating. I close my eye's, inhale, take in the aroma then go back to Asia.. 'Amazing Asia!'

Make the soup base, then add your vegetable and noodles later when you are ready to eat. Add poached or crispy, pan friend chicken (we like it this way, for extra tastiness). I've used Korean sweet potato noodles here, if you noticed they look different to brown rice vermicelli noodles.

I have to say I wasn't expecting this, not one bit, when my daughter Nairne, declared this to be one of her favourite meals! I'm happy!

Transfer soup to a pan over medium heat and cook for 2 minutes or until fragrant. Add 2L (8 cups) water and bring to the boil, then add noodles and cook for 2 minutes or until tender, adding corn and broccoli for the final 1 minute of cooking.

Ladle soup into bowls. Top with coriander leaves and sliced spring onion and serve with extra fish sauce.

Starting out on your oils journey then this special enrolment kit is a great option that covers most everyday health needs, a kit no family should be without. The Home Essentials kit is aptly named - it's essential for you to introduce these 10 oils with 150 practical uses, into your home and household.Note - Frankincense alone has a RRP value of AUS$114.00!

This Kit comes with a FREE Petal diffuser. You'll find yourself exploring creative ways to use your oils (the possibilities are endless!) and begin diffusing the moment you receive your delivery!

Once you've received your Home Essentials Kit, I will set up a one-on-one session. This is the best way for you to get information that is tailored to YOU and the needs of your household. In our 45 minute session, we will talk about the best oils for you to use, ​Sessions are held by phone, Skype, Zoom or using FaceTime or video Messenger for a time that suits you. A scheduling link will be emailed to you within 24 hours of placing your order.

Home-made cornmeal and yoghurt exfoliating scrub is a kitchen cosmetic I first tried as a teenager. My father, John, grew, harvested and ground the dried white corn in a maize mill on our farm.

Apart from being an effective exfoliant for removing dead skin cells, excess oil and dirt from your skin, the cornmeal and yoghurt combination leaves your skin ever so, smooth and soft - polished, would be another description. Using the cornmeal on its own would be as effective although scooping a teaspoon of each, as you go to make a paste, allows the mask mixture to be applied like a lotion to glide over the skin before massage scrubbing.

Combining with full fat yoghurt, will give the skin an extra moisturised feeling and feeding. As an alternative to yoghurt, try mixing cornmeal with raw honey which is also a beautiful skin-feeding beauty treatment. If you wish to add Lavender, Tea tree or Eucalyptus essential oil, for additional pampering, mix in a few drops of one or either of the oils to the bowl of paste (cornmeal and yoghurt) or to the quantity you require before applying.

Remove make-up beforehand if you are using this as a face exfoliant.

Once in a week application is recommended, although you may find the resultant clean feeling urges you want to do this more often!

​If you can obtain it, I've highlighted the use of Organic corn for this body scrub purpose and the reason is nowadays most corn is a genetically modified crop and wouldn't be a safe and recommended food ingredient to put on your skin or to be eaten.

Apparently, in Australia corn is not genetically modified but from the US, it is. With lax labelling laws you may not be able to read on the labels "contains GMO's" on anything that hasn't come from overseas.

Do not confuse corn meal with cornstarch as the former is simply ground up dry corn, which has a grainer texture than cornstarch. Cornmeal has a yellowish or creamy white colour whereas cornstarch is white, fine and powder-like.​

Some will know, this has been a long time coming for me. I've had a message to share for most of my life. Feeling that an opportunity has now presented itself in a way that sits right with me. It's a long organic story.. so grab a tea or sit and allow yourself time to read from start to finish.

This may help you understand the why and where I have come in this journey to help you support your own health, or your life also.

Raised in Zimbabwe, Africa on a remote cattle and corn (maize) farm less than 400km, from the spectacular sight, and awe-inspiring beauty of the Victoria Falls. Since a teenager, I've been committed to a natural approach to health.

My mum, a home-maker, creative cook and gardener, established a large orchard, vegetable garden, small banana plantation and a prize-winning landscaped garden. Over the years I've picked up on more than I ever realised, about eating fresh food (and why I love to cook with real and whole-food), garden plants, herbs and spices and their REAL value to our health.

Mixing up a paste of milky oats and new lavender buds for a face mask or a body scrub, inhaling the minty menthol of a peppermint leaf freshly picked, to relieve a headache, or gathering the zest of a homegrown lemon skin to make up a skin brightening scrub. A natural remedy from nature's bounty was and is still my first port of call for just about any common ailment. While living in SE Asia for almost eight years with my family, I had the opportunity in 2009-2011 to study and learn from many of the World's foremost leaders in natural health. I graduated as a Board Certified Holistic Health Coach with The Institute of Integrative Nutrition New York. I devoured this education. The time timing had been perfect.

With this certification under my belt, I've coached many clients towards better health since, while on a daily basis continuing to implement natural health alternatives into our own lives.

But recently, something else grabbed my attention which resonated with me and how I align with a love of the outdoors and wanting to use and support natural products and the personal benefits I have experienced with essential oils over the past twenty-five years.

​A good friend gifted me a doTERRA CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade essential oil blend that gave me a calming, euphoric and uplifting experience. The sample blend was YlangYlang, Patchouli, Bergamot and Lavender. I felt joyful, confident, sensual and optimistic by this oil blend and amazed by it's ability to positively effect my mood in this way. I know incredible, right?

I went back to my beautiful friend who had been using them for sometime and said 'I want to share these with everyone. "Show me how". I purchased a kit for myself. Over the following few days in mid 2016, a few events took place that led me to envelope these oils in an even more dedicated fashion and to make the decision to share the value of them to you, my loved reader, and to patients and the world at large. Using these oils is part of my daily self-care ritual, more so than ever before.

I start my working day (though I don't consider this work, I LOVE my job) with a drop each of peppermint and tea tree to rinse and freshen my mouth then I head out for exercise - a good hard walk. On my return I drop a few drops of Eucalyptus onto the shower floor, turn on the hot water and have a few moments of spa treatment as the camphorous, sweet aroma wafts up to me. This strong aroma opens up my respiratory system and clears sinuses. After showering, I start to massage lovingly, into my body, a fractionated coconut oil (FCO) aromatic dressing body oil infused with essentials oils, - this is out of this world heavenly and divine..!

To start my day and before I enter my home-office in the morning, I've already chosen a blend of oils or a single oil and begin diffusing. Upon re-entering, I'm greeted with my diffusing creation! Each day, I'm overjoyed by my calming yet motivating aromatic work environment!

Throughout the day I will sip hot water with a drop or two of essential oil, like 'Smart & Sassy' a blend of grapefruit, lemon, peppermint, cinnamon and ginger essential oils. Not because I'm wanting to lose weight but because this blend promotes health, healing and energy. The taste is 'clean', invigorating and warming!

BUT as a priority, I see these oils continuing to be essential to my teen girls lives in educating them towards avoiding toxic chemicals harmful to their developing bodies, and to choose simple, natural solutions. In addition to this, receive emotional support, and functional medicine benefits. The most important learning is that there is another way - a better way.

There hasn't been a day in my adult-hood life where simple pure essential oils have not been treasured in a medicine cupboard, kitchen pantry or slipped into a toilet or make-up bag. All the while raising our children and taking care of our home with essential oils.

No home should be without the nurturing capabilities of essential oils to help your body recover and become strong in a natural safe way, protecting you against both bacterial and viral threats. Essential Oils are nature's pharmacy.

I respect these oils, their purity and their power. I believe 100% in the business doTERRA. I have a responsibility to pay the gift forward.

I don't put my name to a business or product easily, until now. As a mother of girls, a daughter, a sister, a coach and a business woman - there are two initiatives that this company is dedicated to and which totally drew me in and blew me away... This brought tears my eyes.

doTERRA's Healing Hands Foundation and Humanitarian Partnerships. Seeks to bring healing and hope to the world, working to make possible lives free of disease and poverty, ultimately teaching people everywhere to be self reliant.

**doTERRA is proud to be partnering with Operation Underground Railroad.O.U.R Rescue exists to rescue children from sex trafficking by utilising some of the worlds experts in extraction processes and anti-child trafficking efforts.

*doTERRA is proud to partner with Days for Girls was founded to create a more dignified, and free, educated world with access to lasting feminine hygiene solutions. Women and girls in the program are taught that they are equal participants and agents of change, given opportunities to thrive and grow and contribute to their communities.

doTERRA's Co-impact Sourcing strategy is working to improve lives and communities throughout the world. Many of the essential oils offered by doTERRA are sourced in developing countries, where the harvesting of essential oils has created jobs and opportunity where previously there was none. The local communities are receiving fair and timely payments that not only support their crops and harvest, but also have a direct, immediate impact on the community as well.​

Emily Wright, the Vice President of DoTERRA, directly after the massive earthquake in Nepal, where doTERRA was doing humanitarian work. These two women did not speak the same language but understood each others heart.

doTERRA is so much more than just an essential oil company. I'm proud to be associated with it and be a part of something bigger than me. If you want to be a part of something bigger than yourself too - alongside me - please let me know directly by emailing info@nourishingcherry.com or by opting in for this newsletter and I'll contact you shortly to answer any questions you might have.

The business opportunity suits those passionate about wellness and natural remedies, wellness professionals, health coaches, life coaches, bloggers, creative, foodies, massage therapists, stay-at-home or work-at-home mums/dads, entrepreneurs or virtually anyone who has a growth mindset, positive nature, willingness to get serious about serving yourself and others and a willingness to be seen and work hard. There are lots of options.

If you simply want these beautiful oils for personal use, then purchase the products at a wholesale, membership price i.e. 25% off the RRP. A portion of your purchase goes to these communities in this way, also.

​No need to store away your woolies for fear of breaking the bank to dry-clean or not wear due to it's maintenance. Hall them out and begin enjoying your monies worth!

Washing an item of clothing or bedding that is delicate or fluffy, then this is a way to go. If your'e open to DIY' ing, make your own version of an expensive commercial wool wash variety. This takes 5 mins and you'll be happy you tried it. And let me warn you ahead, your 'fluffy's' will be fresh, fluffy and appear like something new, soft and extra cuddly!

If one of your goals is towards a healthier diet then this very 'smart' essential oil blend wants to be your aid and in your collection. Also, known as The Oil of Inner Beauty, this blend may also be used to address the emotional patterns which underlie and contribute to one’s weight. Smart & Sassy is specifically designed as a natural way to manage hunger cravings, calm the stomach, and uplift mood.

Controlling cravings and hunger for the foods you want to avoid requires a steely discipline which can be tough at times. The essentials oils of Grapefruit, Lemon, Peppermint, Ginger and Cinnamon Bark are going to be your close supporter in combination with exercise, limiting excessive calories and continued healthy eating.

A major benefit of the Smart & Sassy blend is it's ability to help you promote a heathy metabolism therefore when using this blend you can be at ease knowing it is a proprietary blend that is diuretic, stimulant and calorie-free. Characteristics that can be difficult to find in a weight management product.

Carrying out a weight management plan, you might be changing your diet, which could cause the occasional stomach distress or you are bound to feel discouraged or overwhelmed.

​With all these emotional and physical changes taking place, with the aromas of citrus that are calming, Smart & Sassy will easy your stomach dis-ease and uplift your mood. What you may welcome when experiencing these enhancing aromas are feelings of balance, invigoration, energy and, a stimulation to the mind.

Ways to use Smart & Sassy - apply to wrists bottoms of feet, or on an area of concern. Place a few drops into the palms of hands then cup hands over nose and mouth, and breathe deeply. Diffusing into the air is my favourite way to delight in this!

For weight loss add a few drops of Smart & Sassy, Active Blend to a standard mug or glass of warm water and drink throughout the day between meals. This invigorating experience will leave a fresh, warming pepperminty taste in the mouth promoting healthy digestion and good circulation.

The Slim & Sassy blend can easily be combined with other Slim & Sassy products to help you on your weight loss journey.

3 Ingredient Whipped Body Butter - luscious, rich and decadent. For many years, store bought synthetic lotions did not give a feeling of deeply moisturised skin softness. After discovering what I thought were natural ingredients on products labeled as 'natural products', weren't actually, the decision was made to look into making my own.

I came across this post by Holistic Squid, took one look at this whipped body butter to become completely inspired by the heavenly creamy luscious appearance, then by the closest to nature, highly emollient ingredients. Ahh! pure and delightful food for my skin - this makes honest sense!

Shea Nut Butter helps to reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks and skin discolourations. Can offer some protection against damage from UV rays.

The Shea Nut Butter used in this recipe is 'unrefined' i.e. RAW. It's way superior to a refined, bleached, cleaned version which is white in appearance, and is virtually odourless. Unrefined Shea nut butter has a distinctive colour and earthy aroma, rich in antioxidants, vitamin A & E and nutritive content that is in tact - a highly sort after ingredient for natural skin-care today.

Obtaining the right blend of solid and liquid oils, to make a consistency that can be whipped, is key to getting the whipped cream appearance.

Take a few moments or half an hour of uninterrupted time, give your body the nourishment it craves. Use as a dry heel treatment, toenail and fingernail moisturiser, also the slightest bit as a make-up remover. This is my multi-purpose skin nourisher, of which I've never looked back since regularly using this home-made body butter! You'll love this!

Allow to chill in the refrigerator until the oil mixture begins to firm, but has not become completely solid. This may take several hours.

Using a hand-mixer, or other mixer with cake mixer/beater attachment, whip the semi-solid mixture until white peaks form.

Scoop into glass jars and allow to chill for more than a hour in the fridge.

NotesThis body butter will remain whipped at moderate temperatures. If your home environment is warmer, you may want to store your body butter in the fridge. If you forget and your body butter melts again, simple re-chill and re-whip.

Look beautiful? This also tastes beautiful! Make drinking water interesting again. Quench your thirst and stay hydrated with flavour-packed infused water. You can be totally experimental with your creation - watermelon and mint, ruby grapefruit and rosemary sprigs, or strawberry, lemon and fresh basil, blueberry and edible lavender, oh so pretty and dainty, or citrus and cilantro.. not a fan? Go on, just try it!

For eye-catching beauty add edible flowers or for an additional flavour boost include a drop or two of either doTERRA Wild Orange, Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit or Fennel essential oil. **It's crucial that if essential oils are consumed, they are 100% pure; free from fillers, synthetic ingredients or harmful contaminants.

To fully use the flavours, combine the fruits in the water pitcher for up to a day, or if you can't wait, no worry, drink away you'll still gain the benefit. Overnight in my carafe, is my way. The following morning the water is a heaven 'scent' tasting glory that flows over my palette with ease and grace!

This is not just a summer treat, try in season citrus fruit beauties to throw into your jug of room temperature water - it's my preference to go without ice, both in summer and winter...

This might seem odd, but it's a cultural health habit I learned while living in SE Asia. Asians, particularly the Chinese, believe it's unhealthy and harms your body to drinks cold or icy drinks. Your pores and digestive tract becomes tight and constricted and hydration is hindered. Drinking warm water increases circulation, opens your pores and makes your skin feel looser. I find it easier to drink more water this way.